Cracked ideas

The discovery of more cracks in the graphite blocks that surround the reactor of the Hunterston B nuclear site is of real concern (your report, 2 May).

As the reopening date for the reactor to be restarted has now been put back four times, and is the subject of intense discussion between EDF and the Office for Nuclear Regulation, it is clear more fundamental safety issues are now at stake.

It is not just Hunterston B at risk, as similar issues affect Hinkley Point B, and the reactors at Heysham and Hartlepool, but they appear more acute at the North Ayrshire site. Much of this is to do with the age of the reactor, and the inevitable wear and tear that occurs to what is, in engineering terms, near to the end of its operating life.

With the opening of Hinkley Point C delayed time and again in England, and the financial challenges of the project bearing heavy on EDF, it is little surprise it is trying hard to keep these ageing reactors going.

But Hunterston B should not reopen without stringent checks and the clear satisfaction of the nuclear regulator, as the potential for the cracks to create other issues within the critical operation of the reactor has to be the deciding factor in preventing a severe nuclear accident. Whether the site opens or not is very much dependent now on the nuclear regulator, but it is a clear indicator that Scotland and the wider UK nuclear industry is seeing the near end of second generation nuclear reactors.

With Scotland rightly not seeking to build third generation reactors the time has come to focus more on the decentralised, renewable energy future Scotland has escalated in the past decade, and continue to make further strides with it.

Such projects can abound across Scotland, employ large numbers of people and provide safe, waste free, low carbon energy. It is truly Scotland’s energy future now.

COUNCILLOR AUDREY DOIG

Vice-convener, Nuclear Free Local Authorities Scotland Forum,

Glasgow